This bracelet features handwoven, oxidized sterling chainmaille and a focal antique rhinestone shoe buckle, circa 1930. Inside the oval rhinestone frame of the buckle is a pierced floral motif. A vintage glass button, intended for use as an eye for a child's toy dangles from the end of the bracelet.

This bracelet features handwoven, oxidized sterling chainmaille and a focal antique rhinestone shoe buckle, circa 1930. A vintage button used as a eye for a child's toy dangles from the end of the bracelet.

This bracelet features a handwoven oxidized sterling chainmaille bracelet embellished with a focal cut steel button.

Details

7 1/2" long

1" wide

focal button is 28 mm in diameter

Materials

oxidized sterling jump rings

sterling box clasp

antique cut steel button

Origin Story

Cut steel jewelry gained popularity in France during the 18th century when King Louis demanded that citizens turn in their diamonds to help fund war efforts. This type of jewelry features tiny faceted and polished steel studs carved to mimic diamonds and individually riveted in place. Similar in appearance to marcasite, cut steels sparkle brilliantly when polished. Pieces can be dated by looking at the size of the cut steels, which were individually hand-riveted, and the number of facets. Older buckles feature smaller studs with as many as 15 facets. Cut steel jewelry fell out of fashion in the early 20th century when production quality declined and other trends emerged.